Calli Bird is the Elementary Student of the Month.

Timmi Dencklau and Mandy Dencklau nominated Bird. They shared that Bird is a hard-working student who tries her best in everything she does, and never gives up. She asks questions to gain a better understanding and takes time to explain her thinking. Her peers look up to her as a leader in the classroom and someone they can go to for help. Bird can be counted on to do what is right, even when no one is watching. She follows expectations, encourages her peers, works well with everyone and looks out for others. She not only helps her classmates but also the younger students, making sure they are comfortable and have someone to play with. She is kind, responsible, compassionate and respectful. “Calli strives daily to be her best. She is an amazing kid with an amazing future,” they concluded. “She has a heart of gold and is a bright light in people’s day.” She is the daughter of Todd and Jeri Bird.

Rylee O’Brion is the Middle School Student of the Month. The 6 Blue Team of Jolene Vinsand, Connor McLeod, Mike Pavik, Melissa Davis, Julie Ulrich and Shelly Keith nominated O’Brion. They shared that O’Brion is responsible for her learning. She participates in class and adds to the learning for the benefit of all students. She is willing to assist other students with their learning, too. O’Brion is accepting of all students and continuously models kindness and caring behavior toward her peers and adults. She will go out of her way to be partners with other students who may not be noticed by others. O’Brion wants everyone to feel like they belong.

“Rylee consistently shows the Leader in Me habits and is always accepting of a new challenge presented to her,” they said. “She is a leader with her peers and ensures that everyone is included.” She is the daughter of Joseph and Alison O’Brion.

Sydney Gebers

Sydney Gebers is the Senior High Student of the Month. Amy Hinders nominated Gebers. Hinders shared that Gebers is the epitome of what an amazing language learner should encompass. She is intrinsically motivated, and she doesn’t let inhibitions keep her from using Spanish. She takes everything she learns and applies it with confidence and accuracy. She is responsible, dependable, and nonjudgmental and helps her classmates whenever they need it. “Sydney is a phenomenal student and person,” Hinders said. “She is an active learner, involved in many school activities and represents what a Dodger should be.” She is the daughter of Scott and Renae Gebers.

Diane Arndt is the Employee of the Month. Kelly Moline nominated Arndt. Moline shared that Arndt has embraced the implementation of Leader in Me and worked to provide teachers with resources to implement the 7 Habits within the SEL time each day, provided professional development to staff, coached students in leadership roles and worked with others throughout the district to make Leader in Me successful. She said that Arndt builds respectful and positive relationships with students and staff, sharing that they will find her each day to say hello, check in or talk about issues. Arndt displays kindness on a daily basis and uses active listening to help others work through problems. Moline concluded, “Diane has a special gift to be able to help others, show concern and empathy while teaching the meaning of kindness and how to exhibit it. She is dedicated to our students, school and district and we are lucky to have her.”

Calli Bird

Diane Arndt